Apparatus for producing signals



Oct. 3, 1933. A. E, e. EHN

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SIGNALS Filed July 13, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet Axel Err/7f Guam? Elan,

3, 1933- G, EHN 1,929,019

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SIGNALS Filed July 13, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 gwue wbow Havel Fri/f (fauna/r v E/Ln,

e uM/mw Oct. 3, 1933. E EHN 1.929,)19

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SIGNALS Filed July 15, 1929 :5 Sheets-Sheet 3 g a vue/wto't fire! Z555 Gunner/r Z7122,

Patented Oct. 3, 1933 "UNITED STATES APPARATUS FOR. PRODUCING S IGNALS Axel Erik Gunnar Ehn, Lidingo, Sweden, assignor to American Gas Accumulator Company, Elizabeth,.-N. J., a corporation of New Jersey and in'Swedcn July. 21, 1928 Application July 13, 1929, Serial No. 378,023, I

13 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in apj 5 is imparted periodically to' a movable member by means of pressureexerted by a fluid, such as gas or the like. The movable member may con- ,sist of a piston movable or operable in a cylinder, a diaphragm, or the like. The apparatus embodying the ,invention may be operated automatically for producing sound signals at predetermined intervals of time and the means for producing the signals may consist of a bell or other like member and a clapper; hammer, or other like instrumentality capable of strikingagainst the bell or the like to produce the sounds desired. The clapper,'hammer or other striking instrumentality is connected directly or indirectly with the movable member previously referred to. As already-indicated, the sound signals may be produced at equal or at unequal intervals of time, as maybe desired. The said signals may be 1 produced in series of two. or more sounds relatively close together and the-said series separated from each other by intervals of time longer than those which separate the sounds of the series themselves. In fact, the signals may be produced in such combinations and in such relation to each other as may be desired.

The apparatus also may constitute means for the transmitting of radio signals of any desired character. In thiscase the movable member is caused'to actuate an electric generator for gen,- erating electric current impulses which are transmitted to a radio transmitter for producing auto matically radio signals. A constant or approximately constant speed may beimparted to the generator by connecting it with the movable member of the apparatus of my invention and by providing it with a fiy-wheel or the like The signals of the radio, transmitter may be: controlled independently of the impulses of power from the movable member of my invention above referred to or a periodical motion or movement may be imparted to the generator from the said movable member and the radio signals may be controlled directly from or by means of the said movable member. V r

The invention consists of an apparatus c0mprising means for insuring reliable action of a member for controlling the passage of a fluid under high pressure to the movable member of the said apparatus for actuating the same to produce the sound signals desired. Such movements may be produced at equal or unequal intervals of time.

K of a casing; A

The said member for controlling the action of the fluid is in turn controlled directly or indirectly by means actuated by a fluid of lower pressurev than that for actuatingthe movable member for producing the sound signals. a

In order that theinvention may be. readily understood and its practicaladvantages fully appreciated reference should be had to the. accompanying drawings wherein I have illustrated one embodiment of the said invention. However, a it is to be understood that theinvention .is susceptible of embodiment in other forms than that shownwithin the scope of the claims.

, In the drawings:

Fig. 1. isa .view in vertical. section of. an apparatus embodying the invention, the said view also showing in'elevationmeans for supplying a fluid under. pressure to said apparatusmmd Fig. 2 is a view in, elevation of the apparatus 'shownin Fig. 1, said apparatus being shown as combined with anelectric generator and a radio transmitter.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing the detailed construction of thecombined pressure reducer and flashing device. I In the drawings I have shownv at V a tank .or receiver containing a suitable fluid, such as. gas, under pressure,,which isconducted or conveyed through a pipe to a pressure reducing deviceor apparatus at A. From'the latter the gas or other fluid is conveyed through a pipe A to a chamber The top of the chamber K is closed by means of. a plate asshown. Apiston cylinder is mounted upon the topof' said plate and is secured by screw threaded bolts as shown to the plate and tothe said casing A a The gas or other fluid also is conducted from the pressure reducing device'A through a pipe B to a pressure reducing device B of known structure by means of which the pressure of the fluid is still further reduced so as'to adapt it ';to the flashing device C which may be constructedin the manner hereinafter described. Fromthelatter the gas is conveyed at intervals througha pipe 0 to a chamber D provided in the bottom portion ofthe casing A The chamber D is divided into upper and lower compartments by meansof a flexible diaphragm G. The diaphragm G is'providedat or near its center with a post H which projects upwardly therefrom throughv thebottom portion of the casing A and at its upperend is connected with a valve I. A coiled spring located in the chamber K of the casing is seated at one end upon the valve I and tends to hold the latter in closed position upon its seat in the bottom of the chamber K. A passageway F leads from the lower compartment of the chamber D and communicates at its outer end with a passageway D which leads from the upper. compartment of the chamber D. The passageway D leads to the atmosphere and is adapted to be opened and closed by means of a valve R. The said valve may be operated manually to open andclose the same or means may be provided for automatically opening and closing the same. For example, the valve R may be operated by connecting it to or with a hygroscopically acting device the character of which varies with a change in atmospheric conditions.

The rate of outflow of the gas or other fluid from the lower compartment of the chamber D is controlled by a restricted opening at E leading from the said compartment to the larger portion of the passageway F.

' The cylinder previously referred to is provided with a piston P which is adapted to be actuated outwardly to cause the striker Y connected there:

with to, strike the sounding-member or bell U so as to produce the sound signals desired.

The lower or inner part of the cylinder for the piston P is provided with a recess or chamber .within which islocated a valve M of cup shape. 7 The bottom of the said valve isadapted to rest 7 upon a valve seat-to close" the opening N leading from the chamber K. For the purpose of holding or tending to hold the valve M in closed positions. coiled spring is located in the said recess or chamber with one end seated upon the upper side of thebottom of the cup-like valve member M with the other end thereof seated against the 7 bottom of the said recess or chamber. The spring normally is under compression and its tendency to expand holds or tends to hold the valve M upon its seat to close thepassageway or opening N leading from the chamber K. It will be apparent that gas or other fluid which is delivered from the pipe A to the chamber K acts through the opening Nupon the valve M but the spring which tends to hold the-latter closed is of a strength such that the force of the gas exerted upon the small area thereof at the top or outer end of the opening N is not sufficient to overcome the pressure of the spring, consequently the valve M will remain in closed position as shown in Fig. l. In the meantime, however, gas is being delivered to the lower compartment of the chamber D at greater rate than it is being discharged therefrom through the restricted opening E. In consequence the pressure of the gas or other fluid in the said lower compartment exerted upon the diaphragm G operates through the connection H to open the valve I in opposition to the pressure of the spring which normally holds the latter in closed position. When the said valve I is opened the-high pressure gas will pass from the chamber K through the passageway L to an annular cham ber M which surrounds the projection the top of which constitutes the seat for the valve M.

The combined pressures exerted by the gas in the chamber M and in the passageway or opening N against the valve M are suflicient to overcome the springfor holding the valve M closed and l .to cause upward or outward movement of the said valve M. Upon the opening of the latter the high pressure gas passes through the channel I 0 into the chamber of the cylinder underneath the piston P. In order that the piston may be from which extends the discharge pipe C.

an annular depression or channel O is provided in the bottom of the said cylinder the presence of which permits the gas or other fluid to contact with a relatively large area of the bottom of the piston P whichresults in immediate and rapid outward movement of the latter to cause the striker Y connected therewith to strike the bell or other sounding device U with a force suflicient to produce the sound desired.

When the piston P is moved outwardly the passageway or channel S is opened, in consequence of which the high pressure gas flows from the cylinder underneath the piston P into the chamber or recess within which the valve M is located. This results in providing equal pressures upon opposite sides of the said valve in consequence of which it is closed by the action thereon of the coiled spring located in the said recess or chamber and one end of which is seated upon the outer or upper side of the said valve. The gas or other fluid escapes through the outlet port T near the bottom of the cylinder and permits the piston P to return to the bottom of the cylinder under the influence of gravity. In the meantime the flow of gas from the flasher device C has been inter-- rupted so as to permit collapse or outwardmovement of the diaphragm G to thereby permit closing of the valve I whereupon the operation is repeated.

As above indicated, the periodicity of operation of the device is controlled by the flasher apparatus C. In Fig. 3- the interior structure of said device together with the pressure reducing device B is more clearly shown. Referring to this figure of the drawings the numeral 1 indicates a casing, onewall of which comprises a diaphragm 2, which is clamped between-a flange 3 of the casing body and a casing body 4. The'diaphragm 2 is connected through a link 5 with a lever 6 pivotally mounted on one or more fulcrum points '7 fixed to the casing 1. One end of a bar 8 is inserted against a projection 9 depending from the lever 6, the other end of the bar 8 constituting a valve seating within an inlet opening into the casing 1. Between the wall of the casing and the lower part of the lever projection 9 is inserted a leaf spring 12. B indicates the fluid inlet and B" the fluid outlet. 7

The strength of the blade spring 12 is adjusted in such a way that the spring counterbalances the fluid pressure on the diaphragm 2 when such pressure corresponds to that required in the conduit B". Variations of said pressure will cause the diaphragm 2 to ascend or descend so that the blade spring is expanded or depressed and the valve is correspondinglymoved towards open or closed position, the pressure in conduit B" thus being maintained at a decreased and constant level.

In-theupper compartment 4 a diaphragm 14 is mounted, which latter is held in place by the cover 15. The diaphragm has connected thereto the eye 16, which is in engagement with the hook I? of the oscillating valve lever 18, fulcrumed on the pivot pins 19 located at one pole of the magnet on the frame 20. The latter frame is fastened to a projection extending up from the bottom of the casing, and supports at one end a block 21 said block supports a U-shaped pole piece 22 and the latter supports the block 23, with which is connected the inlet pipe B". A valve seat 24 is formed in one of the legs of the pole piece 22 and connects with a port in the block 21 communicating with the discharge pipe C. A valve seat 25 The 529,019 other leg of lthe" pole piece 22 communicates with a port in the block 23 leadingto the inlet pipe B". A spring26'extends from the lower face of the lower'leg of the pole piece 22 to the junction of the horizontal and vertical arms of the oscillating valve leverfl8, and is below the horizontal plane passing through the axes of the pivots 19.

When the gas within the pressure reducing device has reached a predetermined pressure the diaphragm 14 overcomes the pressure of the spring 26 and the magnetic torque of the valve 18 travels "farther it comes within the magnetic When the outflow of the gas has caused a reduction of pressure to take place in the casing, the diaphragm 14 moves downward induced byv the action of the spring 26 which overcomes the magnetism in valve seat and forces the valve lever18 away fromthe said valve seat 25. In the further travel of the valve :lever 18 the same comes withinthe magnetic torque of the valve seat 24 which is then closed. The gas from the supply pipe B then flows into the casing untilthe pressure is sufficient to repeat the action.

If it is desired to interrupt the operation of the apparatus such interruption may be brought about by:closing the valve R. When the latter is closed the gas or otherfluid escaping from the lower compartment of the chamber D flows 1 through the channel F and the innerportion of the channel L to the uppercompartment of the said chamber to establish equal pressures on both the top thereof; also the back pressure of the gas into the flasher C prevents continued operation; of the latter. When it is desired to cause resumption of operation of the said apparatus ,3 all that is necessary is to open the valve R,

whereupon the operation is automatically re- 'sumed. I

In Fig. 2 Ihaveshown the apparatus above described in combination with anelectric gen erator g. For thepurpose of actuating the said generator I have provided friction discs (1 and b the peripheries oi which are in contact with each other as shown. The disc a is of large diameter as compared with the disc b. i The latter disc is mounted upon the shaft of the generator 9. To effect rotation of the disc a to thereby cause actuation of the generator 9 I have provided a disco.- 1 The other or outer end of the lever c is provided with a slot which engages a pin upon the striking member Y of the apparatus embody-. ing myinvention. The reciprocating movements of the striker Y cause oscillating movements ofv the lever 0 about its pivotal axis to actuate the pawl to cause step by step movement of the ratchet wheel and the-disc a to which the latteris secured.

- The-current from the generator g is conducted -through the connecting conductors land I to the:,radio-transmitter h which is connected to the antenna 1 and to the ground at :i.

[It will be seen thatby-my invention I have provided an apparatus comprisingfluid controlled'and actuating means for producing sound signals as described and also whichflis adapted for accomplishing many other purposes one of which is depicted in Fig. 2 of the drawings.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and'desire to-s'ecure byv Letters Patentis: 1. In [apparatus of the character] described, the combination of a cylinder, a-piston movable therein, a casing having a chamber therein and a passageway leading from the chamber to the said .cylinder, means "for supplying afluidunder pressure to the said-chamber, a normally closed valve within the said chamber for controlling"- the flow of said fluid through the saidpassageway to the said cylinder, an intermittently fluid pressureactuated member, and a connection-between" the latter and said valve whereby move:

for closing said valve,

2. In apparatus of the character describedfithe combination of a cylinder; a piston movable ment of the said intermittently actuated member ,under fluid pressure opens said valve, and means therein, a casinghaving a chamber therein anda passageway leading from thechamber to the .said cylinder behind said piston, means for supplying a fluid under pressure to thesaid chamber,

Iactuatedmembenanda connection between the latter and the said last named valve whereby movement of the said intermittently actuated member .under fluid pressure causes movement of the said last namedvalve to permit flow of said fluid throughthe passageway to the first.

named valve to cause opening of the latt 95-115 thereby enable said fluid to eifect movement of the said piston. 3. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a cylinder, a piston movable there-.

. valve for closing the passagewayfrom said'cha'rn-v ber to .said cylinder, said valve being normally closed and being adaptedto beopenedby the pressure of said fluid there-against, a valve located in'the said chamber and normallyclosing the inlet to the said passageway, and intermit tently movable fluid pressure actuated means having connection with said last named valve for opening the same to permit the passage of fluid under pressure from said chamber to the first named valve to cause opening thereof and to actuate the said piston. I .4. In apparatus of the character described, the combination'of a casing having a chamber therein, a cylinder mounted. on said casing, the latter having a passagewaylea'ding from said'chamber.

to the said cylinder behind'said piston, means for valve being adapted to be moved into open position by the pressure of fluid frornthe saidcham in, a casing having a chamber and having a pasber there-against, means tending to hold the said valve in closed position, a valve mounted within the said chamberfor closing the inlet to said passageway; means tendingto hold the said last named valve in closed position, an intermittently movable member" actuated in one direction-by fluid pressure, a connection between the intermittently movable member and the last named valve whereby movement of thesaid intermittently movable member under fluid pressure causes movementof the said last named valve into open position for permitting the passage of fluid from the said chamber through the said pas-1 sageway to the said first named valve.

5. In apparatus of the character described, the Combination of a casing, a cylinder mounted on said casing, a piston reciprocatably 'mounted within said cylinder, the said casing having a chamber therein and a passageway leading from said chamber to the said cylinder, a valve for closing the said passageway, the bottom of the cylinder having a passageway leading from the chamber of said cylinder tothe outer side of the said valve, a valve located within the chamber of said casing for closing the inlet to the first named passageway, means tending to hold'the lastnamed valve in closed position, an intermittently movable member actuated in one direction by fluid pressure, means for supplying a fluid intermittently and under reduced pressure for causing intermittent movements ofthe said intermittently movable member in one direction, a connection between the said intermittently movable member and the second named valve for imparting the movement of said intermittently movable member in one direction to said second,

named valve to cause opening of the same.

6. In an apparatus of .the character described, the combination of a casing having a chamber therein, a hollow cylinder having a piston reciprocatably mounted therein, the said casing having a passageway leading from said chamber to the interior of said cylinder, a valve interposed between the said cylinder and the said casing for closing the said passageway, and the said cylinder having a passageway leading from the interior thereof tothe outer side of the said valve, a third passageway leading from the chamber of said,

casing to said valve, a valve located in the chamber of said casing and normally closingthe inner end of said third passageway, an intermittently movable member, means for supplying a fluid under pressure intermittently to the said intermittently movable member for causing inter mittent movements of the latter, and a rod .connecting the said intermittently movable member and the second named valve to cause the latter to partake of the movements of the said intermittently movable member to open and close the said third passageway;

7. In apparatus of the character described, the

combination of a movable member adapted to be moved periodically by the action of a high pressure fluid thereon, a casing having a chamber and also having a passageway leading from said chamber to the said periodically movable member, means for supplying a fluid under pressure to 7' the chamber of said casing, a valvelin the passageway between said chamber andthe said periodically movable member, adapted'to be opened by thepressure of fluidagainst a side thereof, a

- second passageway leadingfrom said chamber to ways meeting at a point distant from their inner ends, means for supplying a fluid under pressure intermittently to. one of said compartments to cause vibratory movement of the said diaphragm, and a connection between said diaphragm and the second named valve for actuating the latter to permit, fluid under pressure to flow through the second named passageway to the first named valve to open the same and thence to flow to the said periodically movable member to actuate the latter.

' 8. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a cylinder, a piston in said cylinder, a fluid chamber, a passageway for fluid connecting said chamber with said cylinder, a valve in said passageway adapted to be opened'by fluid pressure upon one side thereof, an equalizing port between said cylinder and the opposite side, of saidvalve, means tending to retainsaid valve in closed position, a. second passageway leading from said fluid chamber to the first mentioned side of said valve, an inlet valve controlling the flow of fluid from said fluid chamber to said passageway, means for intermittently actuating 'said inlet valve, and means for supplying fluid to said fluid chamber.

9. In apparatusjof the character described, the

for supplying fluid to said fluid chamber, and

means for closing said first named valve when said inlet valve is in closed position.

10. In apparatus of the character described,

the combination of a fluid chamber, means for supplying a fluid to said chamber, a passageway for fluid leading from said chamber, a valve controlling the discharge of fluid through said passageway, a diaphragm connected to 'said valve for opening the same, means for closing said valve, and fluid pressure means for intermittently actuating said diaphragm.

11. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a fluid chamber, means for supplying a fluid to said chamber, a passageway for fluid leading from said chamber, a valve controlling the discharge of fluid through said passageway, a diaphragm connected to said valve for opening the same, means for closing said valve, and a flashing device for intermittently supplying fluid to said diaphragm.

12. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a fluid chamber, means for supplying a fluid to said chamber, a passageway for fluid leading from said chamber, a valve controlling the discharge of fluid through said passageway, a diaphragm connected to said valve for opening the same, means for closing said valve,

a second chamber divided by said diaphragm into two parts, a flashing device for intermittently supplying fluid to one of said parts, and a passageway connecting said last named part of the chamber with the atmosphere and having a restriction therein.

13. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a fluid chamber, means for supplying a fluid to said chamber, a passageway for fluid leading from said chamber, a valve controlling the discharge of fluid through said pasa restriction therein, and a passageway connecting the other part of said last named chamber with said second named passageway at a point between the restriction and the exterior of the said second chamber.

AXEL ERIK GUNNAR EHN. 

